2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, featured a nearly chrome-free exterior, transforming it into a sleek, dark presence. However, it quickly accumulated dust, making it look aged and worn. Despite its modern touches like the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights, the GX's design remained reminiscent of its two-decade-old predecessor. Inside, the cabin boasted high-quality materials and a quiet atmosphere, with the smooth refinement Lexus is known for. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Suburban adopted Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, giving it a commanding presence with its tall hood and large wheels. The RST test vehicle, with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels, exuded a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban offered a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury depending on the trim. The RST featured 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package. However, the predominantly black interior felt a bit dark despite the premium touches.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, allowing for a 7.8-second run to 60 mph. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system provided stability, while the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved ride quality. However, the GX's shape and weight resulted in a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg. The Off-Road Package, available only with the Luxury trim, added features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six with 277 horsepower. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-liter V8, providing effortless power and acceleration. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. The Suburban's fuel economy varied depending on the engine, with the turbodiesel offering the best efficiency.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seats and well-padded interiors. However, the narrow rear door openings made accessing the back seats challenging. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading. Cargo capacity was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine passengers with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was spacious enough for adults, and access was easy. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The power-sliding center console and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality. However, its large size made maneuvering and parking in tight spaces challenging.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with voice recognition technology that was quick and accurate. However, the placement of the stereo controls below the off-roading controls was awkward. The GX also offered a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with a range of tech features, including a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on LT trims and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on LT and above. The Suburban offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a WiFi hotspot, and wireless device charging. The Premier and High Country trims featured a premium Bose 10-speaker audio system, while the LT had a nine-speaker Bose system.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its aging structure, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it came with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked more advanced safety technologies found in its competitors.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, which included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, front pedestrian braking, rear park assist, following distance indicator, automatic high-beam headlights, and an HD rear-vision camera. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added as standard features. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, rear pedestrian alert, reverse automatic braking, lane-changing assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.